http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specificationNews and Notesen-usnpea.comPatrick Lanenohttp://npea.comFri, 22 Feb 2019 11:58:46 GMTNews and NotesNews and NotesTue, 06 Nov 2018 21:16:12 GMTFond Farewell to Tucsonhttp://npea.com/fond-farewell-to-tucson1Tue, 06 Nov 2018 06:00:00 GMTPatrick LaneThe sun has set on Tucson and the 2018 conference. However, attendees were treated to beautiful weather, top-notch speakers and unique networking opportunities. If you missed us in the Grand Canyon state, here are just a few of the exciting things the annual conference offered this year. ]]>The sun has set on Tucson and the 2018 conference. However, attendees were treated to beautiful weather, top-notch speakers and unique networking opportunities. If you missed us in the Grand Canyon state, here are just a few of the exciting things the annual conference offered this year. Education, Connections and Cactus... Oh My!

Tucson, Arizona - home to countless varieties of cacti (some, they say, even jump), amazing hiking trails, and site of the 2018 NPEA annual conference.

Conference attendees were treated to beautiful weather, top-notch speakers and unique networking opportunities. We even rolled out a new app where all conference information could be accessed on a mobile device!

Thank you to the nearly 140 attendees representing 56 systems from across the country, and a special thank you to our 36 first-time attendees.

If you missed us in the Grand Canyon state, here are just a few of the exciting things the annual conference offered this year…

Protecting our plans from both cybersecurity and political threats

One of our breakout sessions featured a cyber attack focused on retiree account takeovers. Frank Williams of Texas TRS provided additional insight on what the bad guys are out there doing and how systems can protect themselves. NASRA's Jeanine Markoe Raymond provided a glimpse in to Washington, what policy changes may be in store and how those changes could affect pension systems across the country.

The silver bullet for engaging members

While there is no one way to overcome our common dilemma of keeping members interested in understanding their retirement, three of our member systems shared great communication ideas and tools they use to engage a new generation of members entering the workforce. We are all doing our best to provide information how and where our members choose to receive it. We saw a demo of video counseling showcasing how one system is using technology to serve their growing member base.

Physical presence makes a difference when having those tough conversations

Our keynote speaker Aaron Anderson of the Frontier Project shared how seemingly trivial details like where you sit or stand can have a significant impact on communication with your staff and members. Being aware of your physical presence makes a big difference during those critical communications.

Social Security, Elder Fraud, Call Center Insights, Behavioral Finance, Actuarial ABCs and legal update were all part of this year’s conference agenda

The speakers and topics did not disappoint. Each were thought-provoking, providing new ideas or maybe just the validation that we all face similar challenges as we head back to our own systems.

Happy Trails and All the Best…

Erika Glaster has been a member of NPEA for more than 30 years and decided it was time to step down from the NPEA Board of Directors in 2018. Erika was always a voice of reason on the board, there to welcome new members to the conference and a friendly, familiar face in her service to this organization. Erika, you will be greatly missed!

]]>http://npea.com/fond-farewell-to-tucson1Cohen on Big Business of Aging, Power of Universitieshttp://npea.com/cohen-on-big-business-of-aging-power-of-universitiesTue, 12 Jun 2018 05:00:00 GMTPatrick LaneDean of the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology and 2016 NPEA guest speaker Dr. Pinchas Cohen published an essay for the Milken Institute and the PBS Next Avenue series on how universities drive innovation in aging. ]]>Dean of the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology and 2016 NPEA guest speaker Dr. Pinchas Cohen published an essay for the Milken Institute and the PBS Next Avenue series on how universities drive innovation in aging. Dean of the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology and 2016 NPEA guest speaker Dr. Pinchas Cohen published an essay for the Milken Institute and the PBS Next Avenue series on how universities drive innovation in aging.

"In the 21stcentury, the challenge for researchers and industry is to focus not just on lifespans— how long we live—but also on healthspans, or how well we live," Cohen writes. "Continued university breakthroughs help to advance many new consumer technologies with the potential to make lives easier for older adults, such as self-driving cars, robotic assistants, and digital apps for health monitoring and assessment."

Dr. Cohen spoke at the 2016 NPEA Annual Conference in Newport Beach and provided a fascinating discussion on the topic of Personalized Aging Strategies.

]]>http://npea.com/cohen-on-big-business-of-aging-power-of-universitiesHershfield One of Best 40 Under 40 Professorshttp://npea.com/hershfield-named-one-of-best-40-under-40-professorsThu, 01 Mar 2018 06:00:00 GMTPatrick LaneUCLA Anderson School of Management assistant professor of marketing and 2016 NPEA speaker Hal Hershfield was named one of Poets & Quants best 40 professors under the age of 40 for 2017. ]]>UCLA Anderson School of Management assistant professor of marketing and 2016 NPEA speaker Hal Hershfield was named one of Poets & Quants best 40 professors under the age of 40 for 2017.

UCLA Anderson School of Management assistant professor of marketing and 2016 NPEA speaker Hal Hershfield was named one of Poets & Quants best 40 professors under the age of 40 for 2017.

]]>http://npea.com/hershfield-named-one-of-best-40-under-40-professorsTucson Proud to be a Little "Out There"http://npea.com/tucson-proud-to-be-a-little-out-thereFri, 09 Feb 2018 06:00:00 GMTPatrick LaneTucson is a place that beckons you to explore without boundaries. For those who venture off the beaten path, this city is proud to be a little "out there" - a natural oasis away from the unoriginal and pretentious that inspires the free spirit in us all. ]]>Tucson is a place that beckons you to explore without boundaries. For those who venture off the beaten path, this city is proud to be a little "out there" - a natural oasis away from the unoriginal and pretentious that inspires the free spirit in us all. Tucson is a place that beckons you to explore without boundaries. For those who venture off the beaten path, this city is proud to be a little "out there" - a natural oasis away from the unoriginal and pretentious that inspires the free spirit in us all.

Located in the heart of southern Arizona, in the diverse ecosystem of the Sonoran Desert, Tucson is about 110 miles south of the state capital of Phoenix and only 70 miles from the US-Mexico border. At an elevations of 2,389 feet above sea level, metropolitan Tucson covers nearly 500 square miles. Surrounded on all sides by five picturesque mountain ranges and nestled between the Saguaro National Park (East & West).

The city and its surrounding areas are rich with a deep-rooted history and a culture grown from a landscape that can't be found anywhere else in the world. The landscape is varied and includes flowering desert, rolling hills, winding dry riverbeds, rugged canyons and pine-topped peaks, all beneath a clear, blue sky.

]]>http://npea.com/tucson-proud-to-be-a-little-out-there5 Takeaways from Nashvillehttp://npea.com/5-takeaways-from-nashvilleFri, 29 Dec 2017 06:00:00 GMTPatrick LaneNashville certainly lived up to its billing as Music City USA. The home of the Grand Ol' Opry, Ryman Auditorium, and RCA Studio B if not likely to lose that crown anytime soon. But Nashville proved to be much more than just the music as it hosted the 37th annual NPEA conference.]]>Nashville certainly lived up to its billing as Music City USA. The home of the Grand Ol' Opry, Ryman Auditorium, and RCA Studio B if not likely to lose that crown anytime soon. But Nashville proved to be much more than just the music as it hosted the 37th annual NPEA conference.Nashville certainly lived up to its billing as Music City USA. The home of the Grand Ol' Opry, Ryman Auditorium, and RCA Studio B is not likely to lose that crown anytime soon. But Nashville proved to be much more than just the music as it hosted the 37th annual NPEA conference.

1. NPEA members provide the setlist in Nashville

Once again, our member systems answered the call and led the way with an informative pre-conference workshop on the fundamentals of investing and breakout sessions on using social media, expanding customer service through live chat, discussing various approaches to member counseling, and customizing generational communications.

2. The power of telling a good story, looking credible doing it

Jason Ashlock, Russ Rhea and Jan Hargrave provided excellent insights on the power of narrative and educating through storytelling, crafting your critical messages to internal and external audiences, and harnessing the power of nonverbal communication.

3. Financial wellness, leading a purposeful life and trends in technology

Jason Vitug helped us consider how we align our definition of financial wellbeing with those things that bring meaning to our lives, and Jason Hiner offered us a glimpse into how big data, the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and virtual reality will evolve and grow in their impact on organizations and society.

4. We said goodbye to a dear friend, welcomed a new voice

Long-time board member Jane Suhr decided to hang up her spurs in Nashville after faithfully serving NPEA for 12 years. Jane is a dear friend to our association and will be greatly missed. We are very excited to welcome Barbie Pearson of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas to the board. Learn more about Barbie.

]]>http://npea.com/5-takeaways-from-nashvilleWeller Weighs in on Health Care Billhttp://npea.com/weller-weighs-in-on-health-care-bill-job-lossesFri, 23 Jun 2017 05:00:00 GMTPatrick Lane2016 NPEA conference speaker Christian Weller was featured prominently in a piece by Robert Farley of factcheck.org on the potential job losses related to the American Health Care Act. ]]>2016 NPEA conference speaker Christian Weller was featured prominently in a piece by Robert Farley of factcheck.org on the potential job losses related to the American Health Care Act. 2016 NPEA conference speaker Christian Weller was featured prominently in a piece by Robert Farley of factcheck.org on the potential job losses related to the American Health Care Act.

The office of House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi cited a report co-authored by Weller, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, as support for their estimates of job losses related to the GOP health care bill. In a June 9 press conference, Pelosi estimated job losses to be 1.8 million, but a recent independent study by George Washington University expected the loss to be 413,000.

Said Weller: “The AHCA lowers the budget deficit as it cuts spending more than it cuts taxes. This still results in job losses, which means that the economic effect of cutting spending is greater than the economic effect of cutting taxes. This isn’t surprising. The bill would take money away from people, who are most likely to spend it, and give it to people, who are a lot less likely to spend it. The result is a net job loss. ”

Weller thinks estimates of job losses due to the AHCA may actually be understated, in part because they do not account for job losses due to the negative impact the AHCA might have on people’s health (because CBO estimated 23 million fewer people would be insured by 2026 than under current law).

Weller is professor of public policy at the McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. He is the author of Retirement on the Rocks, Why Americans Can’t Get Ahead and How New Savings Policies Can Help.

]]>http://npea.com/weller-weighs-in-on-health-care-bill-job-lossesTen Things You Might Not Know About Nashvillehttp://npea.com/ten-things-you-might-not-know-about-nashvilleMon, 20 Mar 2017 05:00:00 GMTAimee RivesNashville became known worldwide as “Music City” when WSM radio announcer David Cobb used the now-famous nickname on a 1950 broadcast. But there is so much more to this iconic city than the music. Nashville’s history, diversity, ingenuity, and prominence surprises many - even those who call it home. Here are a few more interesting things you may not have known about Nashville.]]>Nashville became known worldwide as “Music City” when WSM radio announcer David Cobb used the now-famous nickname on a 1950 broadcast. But there is so much more to this iconic city than the music. Nashville’s history, diversity, ingenuity, and prominence surprises many - even those who call it home. Here are a few more interesting things you may not have known about Nashville.http://npea.com/ten-things-you-might-not-know-about-nashvillePartnering for a Purposehttp://npea.com/partnering-for-a-purpose1Thu, 01 Dec 2016 06:00:00 GMTpatrick.w.lane@gmail.comPatrick LaneGuest editorial by NPEA Member Bobbie O'Neil of the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System. If there’s one comment we hear more than anything at OPERS it’s “I wish I would have started saving earlier”.]]>Guest editorial by NPEA Member Bobbie O'Neil of the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System. If there’s one comment we hear more than anything at OPERS it’s “I wish I would have started saving earlier”.Guest editorial by NPEA Member Bobbie O'Neil Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

If there’s one comment we hear more than anything at OPERS it’s “I wish I would have started saving earlier”. We hear it over the phone, when counseling members and at our education events. “If I knew then what I know now, I would have made different choices when I was younger. Retirement seemed so far away when I was in my 20’s and 30’s, and now as I approach retirement eligibility I’m not ready. That isn’t what I thought my retirement would look like, I didn’t realize there was such a gap between a reduced and unreduced pension.”

As we looked at our total active and inactive member population it consists of over 818,000 members, with more than 343,000 representing active contributors. In reviewing our member demographics by generation in 2015 we discovered Baby Boomers, Generation X, and the Millennials make up the majority of the list with a total of 98.2% of our active member population.

For the younger generations, Generation X and the Millennials, getting them to be engaged with OPERS is difficult because retirement is so many years away. We feel that we should adapt and develop education they can relate to in their current lives, like financing, debt relief or consumer tips, with the message that the smarter you are today with your money, the better off your retirement picture will look.

Generation X and the Millennials is where we want to focus our attention moving forward. These two groups make up more than 66% of our active member population, and in 2015 we were only able to reach and educate half of one percent (.5%) of them through live seminars and webinars.

OPERS has provided group style education for nearly twenty years. Although education has been provided to members of all ages and service levels, the majority of our education has been provided to members near retirement and already retired. So we have developed an initiative with several phases to reach all generations of our membership with relevant information.

Research has shown 72% of employees are interested in their employers providing programs to help them make decisions about their financial needs. Public employers are our best advocates in assisting us and if we’re able to partner with even a fraction of the 3,692 public employers in the state of Ohio, we should be able to educate a very large number of employees.

By partnering with our employer groups, we will be better positioned to provide the education these three generations are seeking. If OPERS can help its younger members with today’s concerns, they can move on to planning for their retirement. Education about Retirement planning starts from day one. Partnering with our employers is imperative because they are a trusted resource for employees and employers know firsthand what their employee’s wants and needs are.

We know this information is important because employees are making retirement decisions every day. We want to make sure members have accurate and complete information to insure the transition to retirement is a smooth one. The Lifecycle Education Initiative will encourage members to attend interactive seminars and workshops that will give them an opportunity to meet with subject matter experts to educate and get them thinking about the many things to consider when retirement planning.

OPERS is the early stages of a massive education initiative, we are currently partnering with our public employers to identify opportunities to engage our members at every point along their career paths – not just when the finish line may be in view. In order to do this, we are:

Organizing employer events to hear their thoughts on the tools and information that would work best for their employees

Forming topics of financial education that may help associate current financial decisions with retirement and make retirement savings a more serious consideration earlier in one’s life

Implementing new software that allows event participants to provide us real time data and statistics

]]>http://npea.com/partnering-for-a-purpose1Riding the Wave Home from Californiahttp://npea.com/riding-the-wave-back-homeFri, 28 Oct 2016 05:00:00 GMTpatrick.w.lane@gmail.comPatrick LaneThe 2016 Annual Conference in Newport Beach was everything we expected and more. The location, accommodations, attendees, speakers and networking opportunities were all superb! We took a look at the future to see how new research and programs are helping us connect with our future selves in pursuing financial well being, extending our longevity and aging with dignity. We looked at the upcoming election and the potential impacts of a new administration and congress on the future of public pensions.]]>The 2016 Annual Conference in Newport Beach was everything we expected and more. The location, accommodations, attendees, speakers and networking opportunities were all superb! We took a look at the future to see how new research and programs are helping us connect with our future selves in pursuing financial well being, extending our longevity and aging with dignity. We looked at the upcoming election and the potential impacts of a new administration and congress on the future of public pensions.The 2016 Annual Conference in Newport Beach was everything we expected and more. The location, accommodations, attendees, speakers and networking opportunities were all superb!

Looking to the Future

We took a look at the future to see how new research and programs are helping us connect with our future selves in pursuing financial well being, extending our longevity and aging with dignity. We looked at the upcoming election and the potential impacts of a new administration and congress on the future of public pensions. We learned how one retirement system is creating consistent messaging to various stakeholders, as well as how another system is introducing financial literacy to grade school and high school students. NPEA member systems are truly leading the way!

Heading into the conference, the board was also faced with filling the vacancy created by Aimee Rives who retired from the Kentucky Retirement Systems. We were fortunate to have several tremendous candidates answer the call. The nominating committee interviewed each candidate and Tony Pierce of the Houston Firefighters' Relief & Retirement Fund was nominated and elected by the membership at the annual business meeting to serve on the board effective January 1, 2017.

Honoring the Past

We also took a look back as we said goodbye to Dave Daly, who is retiring after 30 years in NPEA as a member, past president of the board and administrator. Many stories were shared highlighting Dave’s impact and contributions to NPEA in becoming a leader in the pension education industry. We will miss you, Dave!

As happens so often in life, when one door closes another one opens. We are also excited to announce Aimee Rives will become the new NPEA administrator. Again, we were fortunate to have several excellent candidates interview for this position. Aimee brings incredible firsthand experience having served on the board and understanding all facets of serving you as a member.

]]>http://npea.com/riding-the-wave-back-homeSteve Crescenzo Cuts Through the Clutterhttp://npea.com/cutting-through-the-clutter1Thu, 23 Jun 2016 05:00:00 GMTPatrick LaneOne of our most popular conference speakers returned to host an NPEA webinar entitled Cutting through the Clutter that was equally informative and entertaining.]]>One of our most popular conference speakers returned to host an NPEA webinar entitled Cutting through the Clutter that was equally informative and entertaining.Cutting Through the Clutter

NPEA Webinar with:

Steve CrescenzoCrescenzo Communications

June 23, 2016

One of our most popular conference speakers returned to host an NPEA webinar entitled Cutting through the Clutter that was equally informative and entertaining.

Steve's focus is creating communications that engage, motivate and educate your members and retirees.

Let’s face it: It’s getting harder and harder to capture our audiences’ attention with our communication efforts. Limited attention spans, increased workloads, more and more competition... these things are making it almost impossible for our key messages to get through. Almost impossible... but not impossible. Not if you change the very nature of how you communicate. We draw from dozens of real-life examples to show you:

How to take those tired, old stories and flip them upside down — so that people actually pay attention to them

How to use the “Four C” method to create content that is Concise, Conversational, Compelling and Creative

How to start using the new tools available to communicators — including social media and multimedia channels

How to find and tell the kinds of stories that will cut through the information clutter that is so rampant in your organization

How to start using all of your channels together to reach, engage, motivate and inform your various audiences

The importance of great visuals, and how to use them in your communication vehicles

How to start using your vehicles to change the culture in your organization from “We’ve always done it this way,” to “Let’s try something different and see if it works.”

Log in to Members Only area to access Webinar recording and view PDF of the presentation.

]]>http://npea.com/cutting-through-the-clutter1Ghilarducci on Guaranteed Savings AccountsWed, 17 Feb 2016 06:00:00 GMTPatrick Lane2015 keynote speaker Teresa Ghilarducci, author of the recently released book How to Retire with Enough Money and How to Know What Enough Is, co-authored an article in the NY Times calling for the establishment of guaranteed savings accounts for the 95 million workers without pensions.]]>2015 keynote speaker Teresa Ghilarducci, author of the recently released book How to Retire with Enough Money and How to Know What Enough Is, co-authored an article in the NY Times calling for the establishment of guaranteed savings accounts for the 95 million workers without pensions.2015 keynote speaker Teresa Ghilarducci, author of the recently released book How to Retire with Enough Money and How to Know What Enough Is, co-authored an article in the NY Times calling for the establishment of guaranteed savings accounts for the 95 million workers without pensions.

]]>New Social Security Rules Q&Ahttp://npea.com/new-social-security-rules-qaTue, 08 Dec 2015 06:00:00 GMTPatrick LaneThe day after I discussed Social Security rules and claiming strategies at the National Pension Education Association’s annual meeting in Lexington, KY, on October 27, 2015, the U.S. House of Representatives, without advance warning or public debate, approved legislation that eliminated some of those options. The Senate approved the bill two days later and President Obama signed the Bipartisan Budget Act ...]]>The day after I discussed Social Security rules and claiming strategies at the National Pension Education Association’s annual meeting in Lexington, KY, on October 27, 2015, the U.S. House of Representatives, without advance warning or public debate, approved legislation that eliminated some of those options. The Senate approved the bill two days later and President Obama signed the Bipartisan Budget Act ...

Deadline looms to exercise valuable claiming strategies

By Mary Beth Franklin

The day after I discussed Social Security rules and claiming strategies at the National Pension Education Association’s annual meeting in Lexington, KY, on October 27, 2015, the U.S. House of Representatives, without advance warning or public debate, approved legislation that eliminated some of those options.

The Senate approved the bill two days later and President Obama signed the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, which includes the new Social Security claiming rules, into law on November 2. Now, only a select group of retirees will be able to exercise these valuable claiming strategies before the door shuts forever.

First, let me stress that no one who is currently collecting Social Security benefits will be affected by the prospective changes to rules determining who can file and suspend Social Security benefits. This claiming strategy allows a spouse or dependent minor child to collect benefits while the wage earner’s retirement benefit continues to grow up until age 70.

Second, as of early December, the Social Security Administration had not issued any official guidance on the new rules. Consequently, industry experts are left to interpret the effective date and nuances of the new regulations.

It appears that April 30, 2016, is the deadline for new requests to file and suspend under current rules. That includes anyone who turns 66 by May 1, 2015, as those born on the first of the month are eligible to claim Social Security benefits in the prior month.

Separately, anyone who is 62 or older by the end of 2015 (including anyone born on January 1, 1954 or earlier) retains the right to claim only spousal benefits when they turn 66. This strategy of filing a restricted claim for spousal benefits allows them to collect benefits worth half of their spouse’s full retirement age amount while allowing their own benefits to accrue delayed retirement credits of 8% per year up to age 70. At 70, they would switch to their own retirement benefit which would be worth up to 132% of their full retirement age amount.

Here’s a sample of some of the questions I have received since the new legislation was passed.

Q: I have married clients where both the husband and wife turn 66 in April 2017. Their plan was to have the husband file and suspend at 66 to trigger a spousal benefits for his wife while his own retirement benefit would continue to grow up until age 70. At 66, the wife planned to file a restricted claim for spousal benefits and switch to her own larger benefit at 70. Can they still do this?

A: No. Because both the husband and wife miss the April 30, 2016, deadline, neither of them can file and suspend their benefits when they reach full retirement age in April 2017 to trigger spousal benefits for the other. They both meet the cutoff of attaining age 62 by the end of 2015 that allows them to file a restricted claim for spousal benefits, but only one of them can do so. It would make sense for the lower-earning spouse to claim Social Security first and to have the higher-earner spouse claim spousal benefits at 66. The would allow the higher-earning spouse’s benefit to continue to grow by 8% per year up to age 70, locking in the maximum retirement benefit as well as the maximum survivor benefit for whichever spouse remains after the death of the first one.

Q: My wife is four years older than I am and doesn’t have 40 quarters of Social Security credits so she is only eligible for spousal benefits. I just turned 62 and continue to work. What are my claiming options?

A: That’s a tough one. You are too young to be grandfathered under the existing file and suspend rules. That means you actually have to collect Social Security in order for your wife can claim a spousal benefits. But if you claim benefits now and continue to work, you could forfeit all of your benefits—as well as the spousal benefits that your wife collects—if you earn too much above the 2016 earnings cap of $15,720. You’ll probably have to wait until you turn 66 when the earnings restrictions disappear to claim Social Security and to trigger spousal benefits for your wife. Although your wife would be 70 at that point, the maximum spousal benefit is still based on half of your age 66 benefit. Spousal benefits do not earn delayed retirement credits.

Q: How do the new rules affect divorced spouses?

A: Ex-spouses are subject to the same grandfather provision as married couples. As long as you are 62 or older by the end of 2015, you retain the right to claim only spousal benefits when you turn 66, allowing your own retirement benefit to continue to grow up until age 70. Those who are younger than 62 by the end of 2015 lose the right to claim spousal benefits only. That means when they claim Social Security, they will be paid the highest benefit to which they are entitled, whether on their own earnings record or as a spouse. They will no longer be able to choose which benefit to collect.

Q: Are there any changes to survivor benefits rules?

A: No. Surviving spouses who are also entitled to both retirement benefits on their own earnings record can still choose to claim survivor benefits first and switch to their own retirement benefits later, or vice versa, if that would result in a larger benefit.

Q: Will people who file and suspend in the future still be able to request a lump sum payout of suspended benefits?

A: No. Anyone who files and suspends on or after May 1, 2016, will no longer be able to request a lump sum payout of suspended benefits.

Mary Beth Franklin is a Contributing Editor at Investment News, a leading publication for financial advisers. She is also a Certified Financial Planner and a frequent public speaker addressing both consumers and financial professionals.

]]>http://npea.com/new-social-security-rules-qaNPEA Speaker Joseph Coughlin Pens WSJ Articlehttp://npea.com/npea-speaker-joseph-coughlin-pens-wsj-articleTue, 01 Dec 2015 06:00:00 GMTPatrick LaneFormer NPEA keynote speaker Dr. Joseph Coughlin, director of MIT's Agelab, wrote the cover story How Technology Will Transform Retirement for the November 30, 2015 Wall Street Journal's Retirement and Financial Planning Section."The next generation retiree will have an unprecedented array of technologies and tech-enabled services to invent a new future for working part time, remaining social, having fun, living home, staying healthy and arranging care."]]>Former NPEA keynote speaker Dr. Joseph Coughlin, director of MIT's Agelab, wrote the cover story How Technology Will Transform Retirement for the November 30, 2015 Wall Street Journal's Retirement and Financial Planning Section."The next generation retiree will have an unprecedented array of technologies and tech-enabled services to invent a new future for working part time, remaining social, having fun, living home, staying healthy and arranging care."Former NPEA keynote speaker Dr. Joseph Coughlin, director of MIT's Agelab, wrote the cover story How Technology Will Transform Retirement for the November 30, 2015 Wall Street Journal's Retirement and Financial Planning Section.

"The next generation retiree will have an unprecedented array of technologies and tech-enabled services to invent a new future for working part time, remaining social, having fun, living home, staying healthy and arranging care."

]]>http://npea.com/npea-speaker-joseph-coughlin-pens-wsj-articleA Photo Finish in Lexingtonhttp://npea.com/a-photo-finish-in-lexingtonMon, 02 Nov 2015 06:00:00 GMTPatrick LaneThe 2015 NPEA Annual Conference is in the books and the results are official. The winners of this race are surely our members, who will benefit directly from leading industry information we brought home to assist them in becoming better prepared for retirement...]]>The 2015 NPEA Annual Conference is in the books and the results are official. The winners of this race are surely our members, who will benefit directly from leading industry information we brought home to assist them in becoming better prepared for retirement...The 2015 NPEA Annual Conference is in the books and the results are official. The winners of this race are surely our members, who will benefit directly from leading industry information we brought home to assist them in becoming better prepared for retirement.

Our field of presenters included some of the nation's leading researchers and proponents of retirement planning and security, including Teresa Ghilarducci, Diane Oakley, Mary Beth Franklin and John Nelson, all of whom are regularly interviewed and quoted in the media. John Martin made us aware of the trends affecting the future of retirement systems and effectively communicating with three diverse generations of our members and staffs. Doug Robinson discussed new technology and business solutions within public sector organizations. John Nelson helped us understand what retirement readiness looks like from a more holistic perspective beyond just dollars and cents. And, long-time friends to NPEA, Robert Klausner and Tom Lussier, provided an annual update on pension case law and report on the current political landscape in Washington, respectively.

Rounding out the field were breakout sessions led by our fellow NPEA members discussing best practices for improving member services, communications and outreach. All of this while we enjoyed some good old Southern hospitality.

The presentations have been uploaded to the Members Only area of the website. Simply log in to view the amazing material shared at the conference. If you need to request a new login or have forgotten your password, please complete this form.

Thank you, Lexington, for providing an amazing backdrop filled with local history, eclectic culture and a beautiful landscape for NPEA to gather once again.

]]>http://npea.com/a-photo-finish-in-lexingtonNew Site, New Login Requiredhttp://npea.com/new-site-new-login-requiredMon, 01 Jun 2015 05:00:00 GMTPatrick LaneWelcome to the new NPEA.com! We hope you find the new site informative, attractive and easy to navigate. One of the significant benefits of membership is online access to conference presentations, the member directory and our blog where members can ask questions and share their information.A big part of the transition to the new website was consolidating our member contact information and the need to reset the logins to the 'Members Only' pages. ]]>Welcome to the new NPEA.com! We hope you find the new site informative, attractive and easy to navigate. One of the significant benefits of membership is online access to conference presentations, the member directory and our blog where members can ask questions and share their information.A big part of the transition to the new website was consolidating our member contact information and the need to reset the logins to the 'Members Only' pages. Welcome to the new NPEA.com! We hope you find the new site informative, attractive and easy to navigate. One of the significant benefits of membership is online access to conference presentations, the member directory and our blog where members can ask questions and share their information.

A big part of the transition to the new website was consolidating our member contact information and the need to reset the logins to the 'Members Only' pages. You may request a new login by completing this form.

]]>http://npea.com/new-site-new-login-requiredBringing It Homehttp://npea.com/bringing-it-homeFri, 16 Jan 2015 06:00:00 GMTPatrick LaneRebecca Lee, Retirement Services Supervisor for the Minnesota State Retirement System, was inspired by the Infographics sessions at the 2014 conference in Portland. See how she put that information to work back home. ]]>Rebecca Lee, Retirement Services Supervisor for the Minnesota State Retirement System, was inspired by the Infographics sessions at the 2014 conference in Portland. See how she put that information to work back home. By Rebecca Lee, Retirement Services Supervisor Minnesota State Retirement System

I have worked for the Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS) for 10 years, currently serving as manager of our service center and 12 service center representatives. MSRS counsels public employees on their pension plans, Deferred Compensation (457b Plan), and a Health Care Savings Plan.

As the service center supervisor, I am often asked about how I review calls. The questions I receive generally pertain to two areas of call reviews:

The method I use to score calls; and,

The criteria I use to evaluate calls.

METHOD I review two calls per week for each representative. When an agent is new, I review significantly more calls. I schedule a one-on-one meeting with each representative for call reviews. In these sessions we listen to calls together and I score the calls on the spot with them.

At the end of each call, I ask the agent what they noticed or how they felt about the call. In most cases, the representative points out areas for improvement that I would have noticed and commented on myself.

As a supervisor, these one-on-one sessions give me another counseling opportunity with each representative. The sessions are also much more interesting and engaging for me than sitting in my office with the door closed listening to calls.

My experience with this technique has been very positive and has led to a more collaborative experience. The agents feel more engaged in their customer service development.

CRITERIA In the spirit of our recent conference topic on infographics, I created this visual representation of the criteria used to score a call.

HOW I CREATED THIS INFOGRAPHIC I created the doughnut graph in Excel.The icons and facial graphics were purchased through a stock site our agency subscribes to.Wrapping the text around the doughnut graph was done in Inkscape.Everything was compiled into Powerpoint.I then converted the Powerpoint into a PDF file and inserted the image into Microsoft Publisher for this article.

]]>http://npea.com/bringing-it-homeSo Long, Portlandhttp://npea.com/so-long-portlandFri, 14 Nov 2014 06:00:00 GMTPatrick LaneThe 2014 Annual Conference in Portland was one to remember. Blazing the Trail in Retirement Education certainly lived up to its billing with our annual conference in Portland, Oregon. Conference presentations are now available online.]]>The 2014 Annual Conference in Portland was one to remember. Blazing the Trail in Retirement Education certainly lived up to its billing with our annual conference in Portland, Oregon. Conference presentations are now available online.2014 Annual Conference One To Remember

Blazing the Trail in Retirement Education certainly lived up to its billing with our annual conference in Portland, Oregon. Conference presentations are now available online by logging into the Members Only section of the NPEA website.

The conference was book-ended by an electrifying keynote by author and humorist David Keeling linking humor and learning, and concluded with a presentation and workshop by Cool Infographics author Randy Krum demonstrating tools and resources that NPEA members can use to harness the power of infographics and more effectively convey information.

]]>http://npea.com/so-long-portlandLooking Back on 34 Years of NPEAhttp://npea.com/looking-back-on-34-years-of-npeaThu, 26 Jun 2014 05:00:00 GMTPatrick LaneNPEA Administrator and unofficial historian, Dave Daly, has been an eyewitness to the evolution of NPEA. Dave looks back on 34 years of our organization's growth.]]>NPEA Administrator and unofficial historian, Dave Daly, has been an eyewitness to the evolution of NPEA. Dave looks back on 34 years of our organization's growth.By David Daly, NPEA Administrator and Unofficial Historian

Every fall, I look forward to three things: the World Series, leaf watching here in the great Northeast and, for the last 27 years, the annual NPEA conference. I got my first exposure to the National Preretirement Education Association (as it was then-named) when I became the Coordinator of Preretirement Planning at the New York State Teachers' Retirement System (NYSTRS) in 1987. NYSTRS was one of the founding members of NPEA in 1980, when it joined several other public pension systems that recognized the need to assist the nation's public employees plan for retirement. Until that time, retirement systems were providing information to their members only about their retirement system benefits and the decisions they had to make about those benefits prior to retirement.

After consulting with our members over the years, it was becoming increasingly apparent they needed more information than we were providing to make the right retirement decisions. That new framework would include many other issues to consider, namely estate and financial planning, Social Security benefits, taxes, housing choices, relationship changes and the psychological adjustment to retirement. Employers and unions didn't have the resources to take on the task. NPEA was created to fill that void. Its mission would be to promote the development of programs and services by public pension systems to make their members aware of these other considerations and encourage them to seek professional advice where necessary to make informed decisions.

Returning to Charleston in 2013 was special for me because it was there in 1987 at my first conference where I experienced the true value of NPEA. I was introduced to presentations and other retirement professionals who were all part of this growing retirement education movement. Believe it or not, some are still involved in NPEA, while others continue in the industry in other capacities. Over the years, the relationships and friendships that developed have played an important role in helping us achieve our professional and personal goals. In a borrowing industry, we have shared ideas and materials and have been there for each other to celebrate successes and offer support in difficult times.

Since 1987, I have attended conferences on both coasts and many cities in between. Agendas have reflected economic and legislative trends and changes. Topics address the most current pension issues and the latest communications tools to reach our diverse audiences. I remember when computer benefit estimates and video conferencing were hot technology topics and we were trying to determine if the Internet would play a role in what we do in the future. We have discussed the trend to retire early during the good times of the ’90s, and the trend today of working longer following the recession in 2008. More recently, we have given much attention to protecting public pensions from attacks on all levels.

We have been welcomed by local dignitaries, as well as motivated, energized and informed by authors, actuaries, academics, economists, government leaders, futurists, legislators, researchers, legal experts, and communication specialists. Systems have used conferences to exhibit their own unique programs and services. Conference themes helped us "team up" in Baltimore, "survive" in San Diego, and solve "mission impossible" in Tempe.

We have networked and gotten to know each other at offsite venues and activities, including boat rides, trolley tours, and visits to museums and historical sites. We learned line dancing in Lincoln, witnessed a reenactment at Fort Jackson in Georgia, and were in Washington, DC for the historical presidential election of 2000. We’ve had a "colorful" past as we saw the white sand of Destin, the Red Rocks in Colorado, bluegrass of Kentucky, and the "green flash" in Naples. All the while, taking advantage of the opportunities to share information and return home each year better equipped to serve our members.

In the early days, our efforts were concentrated on getting the first wave of Baby Boomers ready for retirement. We knew the benefits of planning earlier and getting the information out to our younger members earlier, so we began to expand our programs to help them plan at the beginning and middle of their careers. Consistent with that broader emphasis, we changed our name to the National Pension Education Association – same acronym, but now with an expanded focus to include all our members.

All this was made possible by dedicated board members who bring unique skills and experiences in helping the organization continue to grow and be a force in the pension industry. I am privileged and honored to have been involved for so many years as a participant, board member, and in my current position as Administrator. I have been enriched in so many ways – professionally and personally – by my association with NPEA.